Season 2 - Science, Training, and Research Behind Facility Dogs

Have you ever wondered what it looks like to be an Animal Behavior Researcher? Emily Bray from the Arizona Canine Cognition Center joins Colleen and Jim in this episode. Emily takes our hosts through her process of working with puppies, tells them how the research is functionally applied and shares some of the activities she takes the working dogs through as well.  Episode Highlights  1:26 - Meet the first guest of Season 2 Emily Bray from the Arizona Canine Cognition Center & Canine Companions  2:30 - The work that Canine Companions early development center does.  4:35 - Emily’s process and her early work in animal behavior studies. 6:30 - Surprising behaviors discovered during the maternal studies. 10:05 - Jim & Emily reflect on how important the maternal work being done benefits all dog owners. Plus, where Jim has recently referenced the work. 12:30 - Why these long-term studies are so challenging to complete.  17:00 - The benefits of these long-term studies and why it's worth being patient for them to be completed.  18:00 - Emily goes deep on the cognitive research she's been conducting on working dogs.  23:00 - How this research get’s functionally applied in the real world.  26:00 - Jim points out how specialized puppy raisers' intuition and years of experience play a part in all of this.  31:00 - Jim invites Emily to share her recent publications from the data she’s collected.  33:00 - 3 tasks used in recent testing and what the results helped us understand.  38:00 - Thinking about Blake, Colleen reflects on the daily tasks her facility dog would and would not be suited for. 40:45 - Jim and Emily talk through what makes positive and negative outcomes, and how a working dog's characteristics play a part.  43:30 - What happens when a working dog isn't the right fit for the originally intended working environment.  45:15 - Emily share's what it's like to work with these cute dogs all day as a professional animal behavior researcher. If you'd like to know more about the work Emily does you can follow her website at https://www.emilyebray.com/  

Welcome back to Season 2 of Dogged Justice. This season Colleen and Jim will be focusing on the complexities of the science and research behind selecting and training facility dogs. Our hosts also provide personal updates and share the celebration of Molly B’s life as a facility dog.  Show Highlights 1:30 - Season 1 Recap 2:30 - What to expect in Season 2 4:30 - Science behind selecting these facility dogs 6:30 - Examples of research happening now 8:30 - Jim explains complexities in the evolution of scientific methods 12:00 - Updates on Frannie, Blake  17:30 - Colleen asks Jim why Blake is upset when she gets in the hammock 20:30 - Celebrating Molly B’s life and service 22:00 - Jim shares his first memory of Molly B 26:00 - Colleen reflects on when she’s interacted with Molly B

This episode spotlights the upcoming training opportunity presented by the Courthouse Dogs Foundation on Responding To Incidents of Mass Victimization. Colleen & Jim welcome back Kim Gramlich & Tamara Martin presenters at this symposium to give you a preview on what to expect, and help identify if this is the right symposium for you to attend.  Click here to learn more or register for this virtual symposium.    Episode Highlights  1:00 - Personal update on Jim  2:15 - January 20th, 2021 Courthouse Dogs Foundation Virtual Symposium on Responding to Incidents of Mass Victimization  3:30 - Kim Gramlich shares the roles she fills when there is a crisis 6:00 - Tamara Martin from Alabama is also back to share her experience in these events 8:15 - What Jim has observed following these events  10:45 - Creating best practices for response to these events  13:25 - Being prepared and mentally focused as a handler for a Mass Casualty Response  15:45 - Defining the role the dogs play at these events  19:00 - Managing the dogs as a resource to ensure they have down time 22:30 - Asking the right questions to prioritize who needs help 25:00 - Jim shares what to expect when attending the symposium  28:15 - Colleen recognizes how responding has impacted her 30:15 - The flexibility, change of routine, and requests that come with these circumstances 34:00 - What you know vs what may be asked of you  36:00 - The emotional experiences that you will carry with you  37:30 - Preparing for these incidents to limit trauma inside the community 39:30 - A hope that Kim has for the future  42:00 -  Keeping in mind the purpose for the dogs  43:30 - Knowing when the time to say “no” is appropriate 46:00 - Being prepared to say “yes” or “no” in advance 47:30 - Kim’s experience with Caber in less than ideal circumstance 49:45 - Willow impacts a man amidst the Route 91 incident  54:00 - Caber was exactly what was needed  57:00 - The dogs know the right way to respond, even when we don’t 58:00 - Jim reminds us the training and problem solving will kick in 1:00:00 - Details on the upcoming symposium

We’ve interviewed puppy breeders, trainers, and handlers now it’s time to get the perspective from a puppy raiser. Kathy Zastrow with Canine Companions For Independence joins us to share her unique perspective on raising a puppy before handing it off to the training process. She shares so many surprises and family lessons learned as well as some of her memorable moments.  Episode Highlights  1:10 - Meet Kathy Zastrow puppy raiser for & Northwest Region Board Member with Canine Companions for Independence  2:45 - Volunteering for a new puppy with a catch!  4:15 - Kathy’s children learn a valuable lesson  7:00 - Family lessons learned raising puppies  10:30 - The kids continuing the legacy 11:30 - Introducing the program to Aiden the first puppy Kathy raised 15:00 - A trip to the grocery store wins over the principal  17:00 - Jared takes the dog on the school bus  19:30 - 5 types of Canine Companions for Independence service dogs 21:30 - Supporting Veterans with PSTD 24:00 - What the process for becoming a puppy raiser looks like 27:30 - The behaviors and training these puppies have  30:30 - The importance of socialization 32:00 - The funnest place Kathy has socialized a puppy 34:00 - Raising male puppies 37:00 - Placing a dog in the right job based on their personality  39:30 - What the transition from training to working looks like for the dogs 42:45 - Observing the unexpected path the dogs take 45:00 - Watching Monty work as a facility dog 48:15 - A dog goes down an unexpected path  53:00 - Prairie unexpectedly becomes the star of the class 56:30 - Colleen shares on Blake’s headstrong moments 59:30 - Kathy reflects on past placements & future plans Links To References Canine Companions For Independence

While you may have assumptions on how working dogs are bred, there is still plenty to learn. Marina Phillips the Breeding Coop Administrator for Assistance Dogs International North America Regional helps answer many questions on this topic. Jim shares why the terminology is so important when discussing these topics as well.  Join us next month for the November Virtual Race & Walk for Gratitude to raise funds to support this program. Episode Highlights  2:00 - Meet Marina Phillips a Breeding Coop Administrator for Assistance Dogs International  2:30 - How the programs work together  4:30 - Breeding Cooperative accreditation & member schools 6:00 - Sharing resources in breeding 8:00 - How the breeding cooperative began  11:30 - Marina’s journey to the breeding cooperative 16:30 - The many aspects of breeding  19:00 - Tracking the window of ovulation  20:00 - Development of the colony of  22:30 - The ways genetic testing is leveraged  24:00 - Definitions for naming of dog characteristics  28:00 - Developing systems to screen & develop for training 30:00 - Formalizing terminology to work together for best possible outcomes 32:00 - Micro Behaviors seen to recognize long term outcomes  34:00 - Training handlers to spot the behaviors that benefit the dogs 36:30 - Marina shares how feedback influences what works well 39:30 - Behavior checklists and how facility dogs connect  42:00 - Colleen reflects on the characteristics of Blake   Links To References Assistance Dogs International North America Regional Chapter  International Working Dog Registry 

How many loads of laundry does it take to raise a puppy? Who takes care of the pregnant dogs? How are the dogs paired for breeding? Colleen & Jim are joined by Breeder Caretaker Wendy Clock Johnson from Canine Companions for Independence to answer all our puppy breeding and raising questions. They also discuss why this process is so important for successful working dogs.    Episode Highlights  1:00 - Meet Wendy Clock Johnson the Breeder Caretaker for Canine Companions For Independence  3:30 - How Wendy becoming a breeder caretaker  5:30 - The process for breeding and and length of service 7:30 - What happens if a breeder caretaker needs help  9:30 - The challenges of socializing dogs right now 12:15 - All the loads of laundry to do! 14:45 - From pregnancy, to whelping boxes  19:30 - Maximum puppy cuteness, Jim shares the science 23:15 - Pairing the dogs for breeding 26:30 - Seeing characteristics passed from parent to puppy 27:45 - Recognizing the skills generationally  30:15 - Wendy shares a few examples she’s seen  31:30 - Why purposeful breeding is useful 34:00 - Mission critical tasks we rely on dogs for 36:30 - History, hit rate, and choosing the environments 39:00 - Milestones the breeder caretaker manages  40:30 - An unexpected conditioning moment  42:45 - When puppies are ready to go to the puppy raiser 44:30 - Delivering the puppies to the raiser & when they return  48:00 - Wendy’s experiences working in these programs 49:00 - The types of working dogs that Canine Companions for Independence raises 52:10 - Identifying the characteristics to put the dog in the right working environment 54:30 - Collen reflects on the observed actions dogs pick up 56:00 - Frannie’s personality that Jim enjoys 58:00 - Blake asks for dessert 59:30 - Sabina & Mara at home with Wendy 1:02:30 - The social media puppy raisers have created  1:04:00 - When public has been surprised by these dogs 1:06:00 - The moments that make this work great 1:10:00 - Where dogs go to when they are not able to be placed as working dogs 1:13:00 - A special community built around raising these dogs 1:14:30 - What happens when Sabina & Mara retire 1:17:00 - Roles of the dogs after they are retired  Links To References Canine Companions for Independence  Assistance Dogs Of The West - Facebook  PADS - Pacific Assistance Dogs Society

Colleen and Jim reflect on what has happened on the podcast so far and share how it’s already benefiting the community. They also share what you can expect on upcoming episodes. Jim also shares his best tips for minimizing separation anxiety when you leave your dog home. Join us next month for the November Virtual Race & Walk for Gratitude to raise funds to support this program.   Episode Highlights  1:10 - Jim provides a personal update  3:30 - Support from the community during recovery 4:30 - Upcoming topics we’ll be exploring 5:45 - Selecting from the right genetics for the best start 7:20 - The experiences through training the dogs 9:00 - Features you recognize  10:30 - Similarities within breeding  12:30 - Exploring the assistance dog schools 13:30 - Recapping what we’ve discussed so far 15:00 - Colleen shares the 2 things she’s observed so far 17:35 - The impact this podcast has made so far 19:15 - The motivation Jim has experienced 21:00 - Connecting during this time apart 24:00 - November Virtual Race & Walk  26:00 - Separation anxiety for our dogs 31:00 - Keeping in mind your dogs age  32:30 - Puppies may be very confused when this is done

Continuing last week's episode the Alabama network shares a wide range of experiences with the facility dogs they work with. Colleen also learns more about each of the facility dogs similar personality traits. We wrap up this 2 part series talking about the value of these networks in the community. Colleen provides next steps if you want to see a program like this in your community.  Tamara Martin (pictured) has facility dog Willow.  Tamara works the Office of Prosecution Services in Montgomery, AL.  Tamara is Grant Administrator and facility dog handler. Ann Leith (primary handler and full-time handler) and Jana Thomas (secondary handler) have facility dog, Wilson.  They work at the National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville, AL Patricia Falcon has facility dog Kuzco. she is the ED of the James M. Barrie Center for Children (CAC) in Gadsden, AL Tonya Willingham has facility dog Fitzgerald (Fitz). Tonya is a former prosecutor in the Shelby County, AL District Attorney's office who switched from prosecuting child cases to being a full-time dog handler.   Episode Highlights  1:30 - Observing Willow’s personality  2:45 - Tamera is still surprised letting Willow work  4:30 - How he dogs know who to serve & compliment the advocates 5:45 - Nervous moments that make a trial manageable 7:50 - Tamera’s future plans for a successor dog 9:45 - The planning that goes into managing a facility dogs life 13:00 - Ann & Wilson impact a child in therapy with Autism 15:15 - Jana observes Wilson creating comfort for a 10 year old girl 18:15 - The types of therapy that Wilson is included in  19:30 - Outcomes advocates hope for when partnering with facility dogs 22:45 - Ann  & Jana describe Wilson’s slow demeanor  25:30 - Facility dogs consistent energy  27:00 - When the dogs are at training & are able to play 28:15 - Tonya shares how Fitz personality is inline with the rest of the facility dogs 29:45 - Fiz comforts two children during a challenging physical exam 32:30 - Colleen sees Blake working even when he’s off duty 33:40 - Staff in the facility see Fitz playing  36:00 - Patricia shares Kuzco’s personality 38:00 - Commands Kuzco is working on  40:30 - Kuzco’s time with the family translates to the office 43:00 - The extended relationships at home with the facility dogs 45:00 - Seeing the excitement as the community is educated  48:15 - Tamera shared the benefits of their unique network in Alabama  50:30 - How the network has impacted other communities 

Colleen kicks off this two part episode with 4 members of the Alabama facility dog community. Ann, Jana, Patricia,Tamera and Tonya share how they came together to launch their statewide efforts to benefit the communities they serve. This episode discusses how both the National Children's Advocacy Center and the H.E.R.O. Program were founded, and who they serve.   Tamara Martin (pictured) has facility dog Willow.  Tamara works the Office of Prosecution Services in Montgomery, AL.  Tamara is Grant Administrator and facility dog handler.  Ann Leith (primary handler and full-time handler) and Jana Thomas (secondary handler) have facility dog, Wilson.  They work at the National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville, AL Patricia Falcon has facility dog Kuzco. she is the ED of the James M. Barrie Center for Children (CAC) in Gadsden, AL Tonya Willingham has facility dog Fitzgerald (Fitz). Tonya is a former prosecutor in the Shelby County, AL District Attorney's office who switched from prosecuting child cases to being a full-time dog handler.     Episode Highlights  2:05 - Meet Patricia Falcon the Executive Director for the James Berry Center for Children in Gadsden Alabama and handler of Kuzco  5:00 - National Children’s Advocacy Center Ann Leith handler shares Wilson’s role at her facility  7:45 - Jana Thomas Family Advocate explains the team approach to managing Wilson  10:45 - Tonya Willingham transitioned from a District Attorney to handler of facility dog Fitzgerald working out of the Shelby County Courthouse 13:00 - Tamara Martin of the H.E.R.O.’s program - Helping. Empowering. Restoring. Overcoming.  15:10 - Victims Of Crime Act’s role in this program  16:00 - Providing ongoing training for the 10 facility dogs and handlers in the program 18:30 - How Tamera brought the H.E.R.O.’s program grew  20:35 - The resources with in the National Children's Advocacy Center  22:05 - Creating a central location to provide services to support victims  25:30 - Working as a team to support the facility dogs  28:30 - Colleen & Jana reflect on the role of secondary handler 30:00 - Wilson makes a difference for 2 children  32:00 - More facilities in Alabama finding the program 35:45 - Long term impact in the community 38:00 - Teaching children about how the dogs that have helped them live their life.  39:15 - Ensuring the facility dog receives the breaks they need while working 41:00 - Tonya identifies and fills the need for a facility dog in her area 45:45 - Colleen shares what you can expect in part 2 of this episode.   Links To References H.E.R.O. Program National Children's Advocacy Center

Colleen and Jim learn the unique ways that their peers in Australia have used facility dogs to build confidence throughout the justice system. Jane Kefford Client Services Manager for Assistance Dogs Of Australia and Julie Morrison victim engagement coordinator for the Victoria Office Of Public Prosecutions and handler of Lucy / Suzy join us this week.    Episode Highlights  1:00 - Bringing the first accredited facility dog to Australia 4:45 - Coming to the states to learn from the Courthouse Dogs Foundation 6:15 -  Jane Kefford breaks down the structure of Assistance Dogs of Australia 7:30 - Pups in prison program  11:00 - Transitioning the facility dogs from the handlers to the recipients 12:45 - Prisoners support of the program after release 14:45 - The confidence that this program brings 16:30 - Opportunities inside these programs for the prisoners and facility dogs 18:30 - A last minute change brings Julie and Lucy Suzy together 21:15 - The first time taking the liesh, Julie, Colleen & Jim recall that moment 25:30 - Settling into the process with the newly placed facility dogs 27:15 - Jim shares Frannie’s first flight 28:30 - Suzy Lucy the chocolate labrador’s personality & work 32:00 - How Australia’s justice system functions 34:45 - Lucy Suzy working in the courtroom 36:15 - Navigating the courtroom 39:00 - Allowing people to see the work.  41:30 - The specialized training Assistance Dogs of Australia  44:00 - How the community contributes to raising the facility dogs 46:00 - The socializing that lets them be ready for any scenario 49:30 - Resetting expectations around how the facility dogs are working vs off the vest 51:00 - Saying hello to manage a room 52:00 - Where the name Suzy Lucy came from  54:45 - Overwhelming need for more facility dogs  58:15 - Examples of Suzy Lucy impacting children in the justice system 1:00:30 - A wristband highlights the help being provided 1:03:00 - Victim impact statements validates the service Suzy Lucy is providing  1:05:00 - Connecting the handlers using this platform  1:06:45 - Finding better solutions for handlers  Links To References Assistance Dogs Australia - https://www.assistancedogs.org.au/